Compendium of K-12 Educator Pipeline Programs: Multiple Regions

Educators Rising is a national network operating in 40 states that provides structured support for Grow Your Own chapters at the middle school, high school, and college levels through a combination of ready-made curriculum, educator-aligned instructional resources, chapter toolkits, mentorship opportunities, and national competitions. By connecting students with a wide range of education-focused experiences, including field work, leadership development, and teaching demonstrations, the program cultivates early interest in the teaching profession and sustains that engagement through college and into certification.

The network maintains extensive partnerships with educator preparation programs, nonprofit organizations, and school districts to ensure chapters are connected to postsecondary pathways and local hiring pipelines. Participating chapters also gain access to professional learning communities and guidance for teacher leaders supporting aspiring educators. Since Eduactors Rising launched, 60% of teachers have returned to the community and taught within 20 miles of their hometown school.

Nonprofit organization

Best-practice criteria

• Compelling ROI to maintain interest: Students participate in national competitions and can earn scholarships or prize money towards their college education.
• Hands-on learning experiences: Students teach in district classrooms and receive mentorship from current educators throughout their academic journey.

iTeach is an alternative certification program operating across 17 states that prepares participants to become licensed teachers through a self-paced, eight-week model. The program includes full instructional content and offers full pay during participation.

Nonprofit organization

Best-practice criteria

• Low barriers to entry: The program is self-paced, enabling participants to complete coursework according to their own schedule.
• Compelling ROI to maintain interest: Participants earn a full salary while completing the program.

Teach for America (TFA) is a national program operating across 35 states that places career changers and recent college graduates in high-need schools, where they commit to teach for at least two years. The program partners with local universities to help corps members earn teacher certification and/or a master’s degree while teaching full-time. Corps members fill critical teaching roles to help districts address local staffing shortages.

Nonprofit organization

Best-practice criteria

• Low barriers to entry: Program costs are minimal for participants. Through regional partnerships with universities and AmeriCorps, corps members may receive reduced tuition, tuition exemptions, or education awards to offset certification expenses.
• Compelling ROI to maintain interest: Participants earn a full teacher salary while completing certification requirements, often with the option to pursue a master’s degree through a partner university at a reduced cost. Regional TFA and other organizational partners provide guidance, test preparation, and professional development to help corps members meet state-specific certification requirements and succeed in the classroom.
• Program alignment with district priorities: Corps members are placed in high-need schools to fill open teaching vacancies, helping districts address staffing shortages and meet local workforce needs.

TEACH-NOW is an online certification program that features a 12-week practicum and rolling admissions to allow flexible program entry. All coursework is offered online to support working adults, making it available in all states.

Higher education institution

Led by: Moreland University

Best-practice criteria

• Low barriers to entry: This program offers 100% online classes to support adult learners.